A new permanent ranger base in far south-west Queensland is almost complete and will ensure protection of more than 55,000 square kilometres of Country.
Almost equivalent to the size of Switzerland, Mithaka Country is filled with beautiful red sand dunes and stony gibber plains and is managed by the Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation rangers.
With its rich archaeological heritage, the area is known for its historic features, including sandstone quarry sites, which are noted as being some of the largest in the southern hemisphere.
The ranger base is much-needed, as managing these sites is just one of the Mithaka rangers' responsibilities. They also preserve up to 800 cultural heritage sites within the region, and with land restoration, animal and fire management also among their duties, there is never a dull moment for the rangers.
However, due to limited resources, it is often difficult for MAC rangers to travel and cover significant distances to manage their Country, made even harder due to arid conditions of the remote area, which also is prone to flooding.
With various challenges to MAC's land management practices, the Betoota Base Station is a breakthrough for the community.
The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation supported MAC's venture with a grant of more than $560,000 for the purchase of essential ranger equipment and construction of the base to better manage Mithaka Country.
MAC general manager and Mithaka Traditional Owner, Josh Gorringe, said the base will help MAC ranger teams travel large distances each day, due to Betoota being the centre of Mithaka Country.
"The Betoota Base Station will let us build our Aquaculture area for the restoration of the blue claw yabby population, store equipment and vehicles and cut down the cost of going out on Country," Mr Gorringe said.
"The base will also help to support our bi-annual youth camps and give our Elders a comfortable base for an evening.
"The funding provided by the ILSC and NIAA has helped us reach one of our many goals for Mithaka Country, we could not have completed this without their help."
MAC ranger work also encompasses erosion control, weed and feral animal management, fencing, fire management, and clearing access tracks, along with research, monitoring and other activities.
The permanent ranger base includes a skid steer and off-grid system, improving ranger mobility and operational reach across the vast, arid, and flood-prone landscape. It also provides ranger lodging and amenities, water, equipment storage, maintenance workshop and operations.
ILSC group chief executive Joe Morrison said the investment would enhance the effective care rangers have for Country in a safe and profound way, and strength MAC's vision for Mithaka.
"Mithaka people have lived and worked across their lands for generations and hold strong connections to the region's communities, the Barcoo and Diamantina Shires... the new base will only strengthen this connection," he said.
The ranger base will also provide a central point for ongoing archaeological work with research partners, while housing events to enhance cultural learning for up to 50 Mithaka people and Elders.
Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation represents the Traditional Owners, who continue to have deep connections to the land and its pastoral and ecological systems. The organisation was formed in September 2015 to finalise the Native Title claim over Mithaka Country.
The ILSC funding was complemented by $300,000 funding from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, while MAC self-funded a further $200,000 towards construction of the ranger base.
